Ahead of Valentine’s Day, a rare heart-shaped Northern Lights photo captured over Norway has gone viral. Photographer Kristoffer Vangen took the shot, showing the green Aurora Borealis glowing in a clear night sky. The photo has enchanted social media users worldwide. Many called it magical, with some initially suspecting it was AI-generated. The image perfectly captured a romantic natural phenomenon.

Vangen shared that he had long wanted to photograph the Northern Lights forming a recognisable shape. His previous attempts were unsuccessful, producing messy patterns. On a Friday night, luck favoured him, and he finally captured a clear heart shape. While he acknowledged the heart might seem cliché, he expressed joy at achieving the result. The photo reflects both patience and dedication in nature photography.

Auroras occur when energetic particles from space collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere. These collisions release energy as tiny specks of light, producing colours like green, blue, purple, and red. The shape and brightness of the lights depend on atmospheric conditions and particle activity. The heart shape in this instance was purely a natural alignment of the aurora. Vangen emphasized that capturing it required timing and a clear sky.

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The viral photo sparked reactions from users who called it “mindblowing” and “one of the most beautiful Northern Lights pictures ever.” Some commenters noted it was rare to see nature expressing such patterns. Others praised Vangen’s dedication and skill in photographing such a fleeting moment. The post highlighted how nature can create moments that feel almost supernatural. Many expressed gratitude for witnessing and sharing the rare sight.

Responding to claims of AI manipulation, Vangen explained that the photo was real. He shared the RAW file and detailed his editing process using Lightroom and Photoshop. He clarified that most of his work involves standard photography techniques, like focus stacking and blending, especially for night photography. His explanation reassured followers about the authenticity of the heart-shaped aurora. The image now stands as a remarkable example of nature’s artistry.

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